Lawn Invasion: Ticks

June 14, 2012

There are approximately 200 species of ticks found in the United States. These pests are usually considered insects, however, they are actually an arachnid. They are closely related to mites, spiders, and even scorpions. While ticks thrive in warmer weather, they begin to become active as ground temperatures surpass 45 degrees making early spring the time to act.

Managing Ticks In Your Lawn

Ticks are unwanted guests in your lawn that are a saftey issue to your family and pets.

Ticks – Ticks are considered to be superior carriers of disease. They are small and stealthy and often go unnoticed until it is too late. While they do not jump or fly, their natural environment allows them the perfect access to their prey. They drop from trees or hide in the grass waiting for deer, dogs and humans to come close enough to latch onto. Ticks can go as long as 200 days without food or water and can live as long as 2 years. On lawns, 82% of deer ticks have been found within 9 feet of the lawns edge, especially areas adjacent to woods, stonewalls, or ornamental plantings.

Lyme Disease – Lyme is the most common disease associated with tick encounters. It is a bacterial infection that is carried by the deer tick. As the weather continues to get warmer, tick season will be in full swing. The early symptom of Lyme disease is a red rash that occurs around the site of the bite within 3-32 days. This may be accompanied with fever, joint and muscle pains. The tick must have been attached for 24-48 hours in order to transmit the bacteria, so prompt removal is important. Lyme is treatable and patients recover after receiving appropriate medical attention.

What can I do? – There are several landscaping tips that can reduce tick habitat within your lawn:

Keep your grass mowed

Clean up leaf litter from the perimeter of the lawn

Move playsets away from tree line and lawn edges

Restrict groundcover in areas frequented by your family

Green Lawn’s Flea & Tick Program

Flea & Tick Program – Green Lawn is here to help. Our trained technicians understand your concerns for your family. This program controls surface-feeding insects such as ticks within your lawn through 4 applications throughout the season. Only small amounts of this product are applied at the right times to control tick infestation. The product takes only a few hours to dry and lasts for 28-30 days, protecting your family and pets from unwanted pests.